Thursday, August 28, 2008

Creativity Flattened!

Wow! I came across another very cool Etsy find.

This time it is from NothingLikeIt. Robin makes "one-of-a-kind creations" by hand out of flexible polymer clay. Her flattened coasters are her most popular items. She fashions the coasters to look like flattened people and animals. They are very entertaining. This one of the Computer Geek is my favorite. I love how he is holding a mouse in his hand. He just cracks me up!!
Thanks Robin for being so creative and making me laugh!!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Front Page of Dawanda

YES!!

I made to the front page of DaWanda! I went to sign into my DaWanda account today and there was one of my items on the front page.

My item is the tin with orange and teal magnets!

How-To Guide: Making a Treasury

Have you ever wondered what Etsy's Treasuries are? The NC Triangle Street Team has posted part two of a three series introduction to treasuries.

Part two goes into an in-depth discussion on what a treasury is. The guide takes you step-by-step through the process of waiting, landing and putting together a treasury. The directions included illustrations every step of the way.

So click HERE to check it out! Learn all about treasuries and why they are so addictive!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Too Cute Etsy Find

So I was surfing Etsy a few days ago and look at what I found.
The Sweetest Home and Daisy is the cutest pincushion that I have ever seen. I was amazed by the work that the seller, EnnaDesignShop, has put in. The pincushion features Blue Bird and his house and is adorned with daisies. I was so amazed by this piece that I had to share it with my viewers! Do you know anyone who sews? If so, what a perfect gift this would make!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

It's Mine! All Mine!!

Mine! Mine! Mine!

So I am normally very good at restraining myself from shopping. I have been so good lately I decided to reward myself. What kind of reward did I get?? A mini-shopping spree of course!

It has been at least 4 months since my last Etsy purchase. I am constantly coming across little treasures on Etsy that I must have. Through hard work and determination I have been able to refrain from making any purchases.

Well not today! While I was putting together my latest treasury, Nap Time, I came across these cute little notecards. Immediately I feel for "Oh So Sleepy". Then when I snooped around, the photographer's site, nicholslk, I came across "Lil Guy" and I had to have that as well! He is so cute that I just could not say no. This cutie pie is now on his way to my house! Who could pass up a face that cute??
Laid Back and Loving It is little cutie made by NowThatsDifferent. I have been watching him for a while. I just think he is the cutest little guy around. I love how he is photographed in a plant. What a perfect place for him. I plan to go to Lowe's sometime this week and buy him a plant to live in.

Ok, can someone talk me out of buying this guy? Similar to the the cat above, this is a sleepy kitty notecard. Lindentreephotograph did an amazing job photographing this little kitty. He looks like he is exhausted. It is such a cute little notecard but I just purchased 2 cards! Someone talk me down before I buy this guy as well!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

How-To Guide: Making a Treasury

Are you a buyer or seller on Etsy? Wish you knew what the big deal was with the "treasuries"? Well now you can learn all about it!

LynnsCrafts and CinnamonSpice, writers for the NCTriangle Etsy Street Team Blog have set out on a three part series about Treasuries. Click HERE to learn what a treasury is and the premise behind them.

Stay tuned for more of the series and to learn how YOU can make a treasury!!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

New Website

Start To Finish is now available on BigCartel!!

The same great items are now available from Start To Finish on BigCartel AND Etsy. Why shop Start To Finish on BigCartel? Discounts! I am able to offer discounts on BigCartel! Stop by and check it out the ...

GRAND OPENING SALE!

10% off all purchases

Just enter code S2F10 during the checkout process to recieve 10% off your entire order.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Cool Stuff on Etsy

So, I have had some extra time on my hands lately. What have I been doing with that spare time? Surfing Etsy!

I have come across some very unique finds. I thought I would take a quick moment to share them with you. I am continually amazed by the talent that abounds on Etsy!

My new favorite item on Etsy is made by Karen of Karen's Soaps. The Pink Knitters Soap is so cute I can hardly stand it. I want to buy one for all of my friends but none of my friends are knitters! I need to make new friends so I have a good reason to buy this!! I mean really, does it get better than this?? And to top it off, the soap is scented with Victoria's Secret "Pink". My favorite perfume!!

This past weekend I went to the Designer's Downtown Market. This is an outdoor craft show held quarterly that many of the NCTriangle Etsy Street Team members sell at. I stopped by and visited with Tina from Scatterbox. She is an amazing photographer and crafter. This little guy stood out to me as soon as a I stepped into her immaculate booth.

She makes them in several colors and phrases, but this Strix - Inspire is my favorite!

Recently, I happened upon Etsy seller, CWadeDesigns out of Boston. She makes the cutest wristlet organizers and craft show aprons. Her aprons are what originally caught my eye. One of the necessities at a craft show is having a convenient and safe place to store your money and receipts. Her aprons are perfect. And so cute!! Juicy 2 is my favorite!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Shop Update

News from Start To Finish Supplies!
At Start To Finish Supplies new items are constantly being added. Check back frequently to see whats new! Some of the items that have been added include:

Aluminum Tins! Two new styles have been added. One is a square, 4 ounce lidded tin. The tin features a window lid and is great for packaging and selling your product!

The other is a petite, round 1 ounce tin. This size is great for packaging small items! Do you sell thumbtacks in small quantities? These tins are the perfect way to package them!

A new size is now available in the resealable cellophane packages! You can now purchase 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 packages. This size is ideal for cardmakers and photographers. The packages are a professional way to show off your work and protect it at the same time!

Also coming soon...
*Cha-Cha Ring Bases
*Snap Clips
*Bobby Pins

SALE!
Did you know there is a sale going on at Start To Finish Supplies?! Take advantage of it while it lasts!!
Here are the details:
*Cover Buttons in Quantities of 100 and 200 ship for free within the US
*International shipping rates lowered on quantities of 100 and 200
*Tools ship free when purchased with another item (domestic and international orders)

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Thief!

Craft Supply Thief Caught in the Act!!

There is a thief in my house. He is small and has brown hair with white accents. He weighs approximately 6 pounds. His favorite hang outs are on the counter next to the fish tank, the arm of the couch and the window sill.

If you come across one of his kind, hide all of your craft supplies! Last night I managed to snap a picture of the thief in the act. When my back was turned he snatched one of my cover button supplies and was off. He was later found in the kitchen shoving the button under the refrigerator for safe keeping!

His kind are classic thieves of craft supplies. Watch your stash at all times. Please don't let this happen to you!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Feedback Rating Reaches 100!

Start To Finish Supplies Reaches 100 Positive Feedback Comments!

I am very excited to say that on Tuesday, June 17, Start To Finish Supplies received its 100th positive feedback! In the three months that Start To Finish Supplies has been on Etsy I have had the pleasure of working with many excellent buyers. I am very pleased to have meet so many people. The feedback my customers have left me has been very encouraging.

When I started Start To Finish Supplies it was with the intent to offer great supplies at resonable prices. On top of that I wanted to give excellent customer service and fast shipping. I feel that I have been able to do this and my customers have agreed!

Thanks to everyone for there patronage and I look forward to supplying your creative needs in the future!

Feedback quotes from valued customers of Start To Finish Supplies:

By aok1979: "Great deal and the fastest shipment I've ever received on Etsy! Great seller."

By mapy: "Great supply!!!! Really good price, the best i found. Friendly seller! I'll be back!

By beedazzlesgifts: "Wonderful transaction & fabulous shop! Great price, super speedy shipping, great communication A++++"

By catywhompus: "Exactly as described. Very nice packaging. Great asset to etsy."

By SewChicGirl: "Thanks so much!Great seller to buy from. I will come again!"


By doxieangels: "Absolutely FABULOUS!!! 5 stars for this incredible seller! Just a complete and utter delight...i just can't say enough! thank you and wishing you nothing but the best...i will be back : )"

By embeel: "Perfect! Packaging and ship time - everything Fantastic - thank you!!"

By strangelittlebird: "Got here very quickly! I can't wait to make something:) Thanks!"

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Buttons, Buttons and More Buttons

Drowning in Cover Buttons!

I am a very happy girl! My cover buttons finally arrived. The long awaited day has come. After two months of calling and chasing down the supplier, I have finally landed myself a boat-load of buttons! If you don't believe me just stop by. There are so many buttons!

I can now supply all of the wonderful and talented Etsy sellers that use cover buttons! If you need it, I have it! With 100+ listings in my Etsy store I am ready to go.

What will I be doing this weekend? I am going to steal some time to go kayaking on Saturday. Otherwise I plan to count and pre-package buttons all weekend! Fun times!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Come on In! See Where it all Happens!

Welcome to the home & office of Start To Finish Supplies!

Voyeurs are welcome here!


If you are anything like me you are curious to know where your supplies come from, what it looks like on the other end of the internet, what organizational methods others use, ect. It is fun to see how others set up their offices and craft spaces. Well here is mine. It is nothing special but it works!

I live in a one bedroom apartment. Approximately 1/3 of my apartment is dedicated to my business. My sunroom is set up as an office. This is where I type up invoices, print shipping labels, house my files and store items such as shipping labels.


The majority of my time spent on the internet happens when I am on the couch watching TV. The couch doubles as my craft room. Since I live in a small apartment, there is not much space. Therefore, my couch multi-tasks allowing me to use it to lounge, craft and nap! In the living room I have two tall metal shelves. I purchased coordinating blue & tan bins which I use as storage.

Across from the couch is an antique cabinet which I use as my personal craft storage. The crafts in this area are for my personal use and are items that I am not selling. It has been very beneficial for me to maintain two separate storage areas so that I do not sell something that I want to craft with.

My biggest challenge is sharing my work and craft space with my cat! He may be small but he is mighty! I am constantly shooing him away from my crafts! He has taught me to never leave anything sitting out. Since he came to live with me three months ago he has turned me into a more organized person. If he finds that I have left something out of place and unattended he snatches it up and hides it. Sometimes it is weeks before I find the item again!

Well that is the complete tour of the home of Start To Finish Supplies. I hope you enjoyed it!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Welcome


Welcome Start To Finish Supplies!

Providing supplies for your creations from Start To Finish

This blog will honor all things creative. Wondering whats new with Start To Finish Supplies? Here you can learn all about what is around the corner! Looking for a fun new craft project? This blog will feature directions for easy and creative crafter projects! Curious what other designers are up to? Look for articles to come in the future about the hot new designer!

This is just a sample of what you will see in the future, so don't forget to check back!

About Me

My photo
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Hi! Welcome to the official blog for Start To Finish Supplies. My name is Katie. I am the face behind Start To Finish Supplies. I am a 20-something living in Raleigh, NC. I enjoy spending time crafting. When I am not crafting I am reading, kayaking or at the beach. I started out making jewelry in March, 2007 under the business name Katie Carolina Designs. I launched Start To Finish Supplies a year later in March 2008. Start To Finish Supplies has been a blast. I take pride in offering supplies to fellow crafters at reasonable prices. Why pay more money to buy from a large corporation? With Start To Finish Supplies I am always around to answer questions and to provide excellent customer service. I strive to make every transaction perfect!